Energy Efficiency

EnerGuide Rating System

The Energuide Rating System allows a house, new or existing, to be compared on a sale of 0-100 against any other house. The ERS system can be used to prioritize energy efficiency upgrades or simply to rank the house on a scale for comparison with other housing.

Starting in January 2017 the EnerGuide rating system is transitioning to an absolute GigaJoule rating. The label will give a rated energy consumption in GJ based on certain standard operating conditions. There will also be a GJ per square meter intensity rating to help compare one house to another.

The EnerGuide Rating System is offered by Natural Resources Canada to allow homeowners to assess the efficiency of their homes. Follow the links for more information on ERS for Existing Housing and New Housing.

ENERGY STAR® for New Homes

A voluntary national standard for better than code energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR® is intended to allow builders a simple way to demonstrate improved energy efficiency through better building practices. DSG can help builders determine the best compliance options for their construction methods. We also provide labeling services.

R-2000

An R-2000 is quite simply a very energy efficient house. But it goes beyond that by considering Indoor Air Quality, Resource Conservation and Water Conservation in addition to energy efficiency. DSG has a long history of providing R-2000 services such as training and house certification to builders, including the NRCan’s Pilot Program for Net Zero Energy housing with R-2000.

LEED Canada

LEED Canada for Homes is a comprehensive approach Energy and Environmental Design. DSG can facilitate enrollment of the house with Mindscape Innovations and provide Design Charette Services as well as conducting field inspections.

2012 Ontario Building Code – Part 12

There are many Compliance Options under Part 12 of the 2012 Ontario Building Code. DSG can walk builder through the four main options and all the details that go with them. Houses with more than 22% glazing are particularly difficult. We can do Performance Compliance modeling and recommend cost effective options for compliance.

High Performance HVAC Systems for Low Load Houses

High Performance HVAC Systems allow builders and home owners to maximize the benefit of modern energy efficient houses. This means increased comfort, greater flexibility in the utilization of space, and reduced capital costs. Modern equipment does not always fit the design and installation practices of the past.